The Memory Training Center
Roula al-Dahhak, M.D
Neurologist, and Memory Coach
Phone: (314) 604-0758
456. N. New Ballas Road, Suite 266
St. Louis, MO 63141
www.memorytrainingcenter.org
Areas of Expertise
Neurologist
I am a neurologist certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) since 2004. I have been seeing patients with cognitive changes and cognitive disorders including dementias since my residency years. I am an Associate Professor of Neurology and I managed the dementia clinic in the neurology department at St. Louis University for many years, and currently I manage the dementia clinic at the VA hospital.
Memory coach
I am also a certified health and life coach. This was an added qualification that I needed to obtain to further assist my patients. I incorporated the skills that I acquired toward my work as a neurologist.
My Story
During my years of working with patients who suffer memory changes, I could see how frustrated the patients when they learned that they did not have a diagnosis, and there was nothing specific to do to help them recover their memory and attention except diet, good sleep, and exercise including crosswords puzzles and similar activities. The patients' dissatisfaction grew, and something else needed to be done to help them regain their memory and attention. It was not until recently that I came across memory training (or cognitive training) and I learned of its benefits.
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I decided to start my own memory training center. Unfortunately- memory training is not covered by health insurance as it is preventative tool. I am encouraged by the response that I started to get from current and past clients, and I am also pleased to starting getting referral from the neurology in the community and I look forward to having memory training as an essential wellness tool to all aging population, age 40 and older.
My Approach
Increase in aging is associated with a natural decline in cognitive function, and this is a huge health and financial burden. A 2010 study estimated that 34.4 million people have dementia worldwide with estimated formal and informal care costs of $422 billion (The worldwide societal costs of dementia: estimates for 2009- Wimo A et al. Alzheimer's & Dementia page 98-103).
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Several publications and clinical studies showed that cognitive training improved memory functions and processing speed in affected individuals, and when combined with physical activity in healthy individuals, had further decline in the development of dementia. Healthy, well-functioning older adults randomized to speed of processing cognitive training had a 29% reduction in their risk of dementia after 10 years of follow up compared to an untreated control group. This relationship seemed to be driven in part by number of training sessions attended (greater risk reduction with more training sessions attended. (Edwards JD et al. Alzheimer's &Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions 3 (2017). ACTIVE Trial showed that exposure to booster training was associated with larger improvements in cognitive performance and wider transfer to daily function, particularly for the reasoning and speed arms (Ball KK, et al. JAMA 2002); Ball KK et al. J. Aging Health. 2013; Willis SL et al.; 2013. J. Aging Health.
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I designed several programs to match each client's needs. Each program has different types of tests and quizzes that vary in the level of complexity and difficulty. These programs aim to improve short-term memory, working memory, recall, memory retention, visual memory, verbal and non-verbal memory, attention and focus, processing speed, problem solving, hand-brain coordination, and other executive functions. Several evaluations will be done through the program(s) to ensure the efficacy of the program.
Data showed that longer training is associated with the best results, so our clients have options to enroll in up to a 120-day program with booster sessions at variable intervals afterward (depending on the patient's needs). There is reduced repetition in the sessions to avoid false-positive results. Mid-term evaluation is designed to evaluate the improvement and to modify the program according to the results of this evaluation, if indicated.
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The Memory Training Center's approach is unique as it is developed by a neurologist who is also a memory coach. It is well constructed, and it aims to deliver positive results. I continue to teach medical students as well as neurologists in training all that I know about the brain and its anatomy and its function, and I utilize my knowledge at the Memory Training Center to further assist my patients as well. Memory is a person's strongest asset, and dementia is very common with age, so memory training is a goal that all the aging population (age 40 and older) need to consider when they are planning their healthy future.
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